This colorful salad is a tasty mix of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and sweet cranberries, all dressed in a light Asian-style dressing. It’s refreshing and fun to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded chicken adds protein and makes the salad hearty. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or even leftover grilled chicken. If you’re vegetarian, tofu or chickpeas work too!
Cole Slaw Mix: This mix gives a nice crunch and adds color. If you can’t find it, shredded cabbage and carrots work just as well. For a twist, try adding broccoli slaw or spinach for extra nutrients.
Mandarin Oranges: Their sweetness brings brightness to the salad. Canned mandarin oranges are handy, but fresh orange segments provide a zesty flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, chopped apples or pears can work too!
Dried Cranberries: These add sweetness and a chewy texture. If you’re not a fan, try dried cherries or raisins. You can also use fresh berries if available, just adjust the quantity.
Almonds: Sliced almonds give a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar texture.
How Do You Make a Perfect Dressing for This Salad?
The dressing makes or breaks your salad, so it’s key to get it right. Start by mixing the mayonnaise with rice vinegar for brightness. Honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce brings depth. Sesame oil rounds it out with a nutty flavor.
- Whisk all ingredients in a bowl until smooth, adding salt and pepper to taste.
- If you want a lighter dressing, substitute some mayo with yogurt or use a vinegar-based dressing instead.
- Mix the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 3 cups cole slaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad will take you about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In just under an hour, you’ll have a delicious, refreshing dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large salad bowl. In it, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cole slaw mix, mandarin orange segments, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro if you’re using it. Make sure everything is mixed well for even flavor!
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This dressing adds that tasty Asian flair to your salad!
3. Combine the Salad and Dressing:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together to ensure all the flavors coat the salad evenly. Be careful not to squish everything!
4. Add the Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle the poppy seeds over the top of the salad and give it one last gentle toss. Poppy seeds not only add a lovely touch but also a bit of crunch!
5. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge. It can be garnished with extra almonds or cilantro if you’d like. Enjoy this light and refreshing Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad as a lovely lunch or a delightful side dish!
Bon appétit! 🌟
FAQ for Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While shredded chicken gives a great flavor and texture, you can use grilled shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just ensure they are cooked and well-seasoned if needed!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, try to separate the dressing from the salad if possible until you are ready to eat it again.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad (without the dressing) up to a day in advance. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep the ingredients crisp and fresh. Chill it to meld the flavors!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Dressing?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or want to avoid mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo. Either will provide creaminess while adding a unique flavor twist!
